Te Anau's own Fiordland Lobster Company has been acknowledged as the Supreme Award winner at this week's The HSBC New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA) China Business Awards

The company was also the winner of the Trade and Enterprise award for trade between China and New Zealand.

The award ceremony took place in Auckland on Thursday (June 6). The awards acknowledge the deepening trade and investment relationship between China and New Zealand.

The Fiordland Lobster Company is New Zealand’s largest exporter of live Fiordland rock lobster. 

Marketed under the KiwiLobster brand, the fish is flown by helicopter live from its landing by Fiordland fishermen (and also by fishermen in other areas such as Mahia, Otago and the Wairarapa) to processors in New Zealand. 

The catch is then air-exported from Christchurch or Auckland to international destinations, the main one being China. The fast export, receipt of product and on-sale to Chinese consumers has been made possible through an increase in air services between China and New Zealand.

NZCTA Chairman and DLA Piper partner Martin Thomson. said this was a remarkable supply chain. 

"It enables this absolutely delicious product to be rapidly delivered to China, cleared through customs, and sold as the premier, ‘must have’ item on diners’ tables."

The awards recognise a range of businesses and people including export-led businesses, those in Hong Kong, major contributors to the relationship between China and New Zealand, growers of tourism. and catalysts for Chinese investment in New Zealand. 

According to organisers, the awards attracted a greater number of entrants than ever before this year.